Right to Rent fines to hit £20,000 from next month

Fines for landlords who breach Right to Rent rules will increase from next month.

The change had been due to come into force this week, but will now apply from 13th February. 

From this date, the penalties will increase from £80 per lodger and £1,000 per occupier for a first breach to up to £5,000 per lodger and £10,000 per occupier.  

Repeat breaches will be up to £10,000 per lodger and £20,000 per occupier, up from £500 and £3,000 respectively.

Current rules mean that as well as facing a heavy fine, landlords could face potential imprisonment for failure to check the occupier's right to rent status.

New draft code of practice

The Government regularly updates its code of practice for landlords as regulations or practices change. 

The latest version is currently available in draft form and sets out new, higher penalties for failing to comply with the right to rent requirements.

Why is this change being made?

The Immigration Act 2014 introduced the concept of 'right to rent' to the private rented sector in England.      

The Government says it is introducing higher penalties for failing to comply with Right to Rent legislation to ‘stop the boats’ a key pledge of PM Rishi Sunak.

Further guidance for landlords

• You can understand more about Right to Rent, including details of acceptable documents the process to be followed, and frequently asked questions, in the NRLA’s Right to Rent guidance.

• The NRLA also runs an Immigration and Right to Rent eClassroom course for landlords. Understand your responsibilities for checking Right to Rent and the Equality Act. This course is currently 30% off in our training sale. Click here to book.